The Gerald R. Ford class supplies a real-world analogy for open architecture and spaces that can change function as requirements shift. Conference rooms can become unmanned-aircraft control spaces, intelligence centres, or other mission facilities without rebuilding the ship around them. Designing a starship whose interior can move from exploration to many other roles helps explain why the Galaxy programme began about fourteen years before the prototype launched. That flexibility complicates initial development but shortens later conversion time. It also leaves Starfleet a reserve of combat potential inside a nominally peaceful exploration hull.
Notable Point · 21:05-23:35
Modularity explains the long development cycle
The long Galaxy-class design cycle makes more sense if its spaces were intended to be rapidly reconfigured for future roles.